Trial begins in 2011 St. Patrick's Day fatal stabbing case

Syracuse, NY - Jury selection has begun in Onondaga County Court in the trial of a man charged with fatally stabbing a Syracuse man in a dispute over a woman last year.

Tyrone C. Loftin Jr., 24, for whom authorities listed addresses on Ellis Street in Syracuse and Roxboro Road in Mattydale, is facing charges of second-degree murder and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon in the death of Clarence Lucas.

Lucas, 23, of Pulaski Street, was stabbed six times during a fight with Loftin in the 100 block of Pulaski Street about 11:45 p.m. March 17, 2011. He died the next day at Upstate University Hospital.

Authorities said the men were fighting over Lucas' girlfriend with whom Loftin had a prior relationship.

Chief Assistant District Attorney Matthew Doran is expected to call 12 to 15 witnesses to testify for the prosecution. Defense lawyer Charles Keller said he may call as many as five witnesses for the defense.

The defense is expected to make a self-defense argument against the charges on Loftin's behalf.

Jury selection began late this morning before Judge Joseph Fahey after some last-minute legal wrangling over graphic photographs of the victim's injuries.

Doran admitted some of the pictures show Lucas' internal organs protruding from one of the stab wounds. He contended that would be critical to the prosecution's argument that Loftin acted intentionally to kill Lucas.

But Keller contended the defense was not challenging any evidence about the number, nature and extent of the stab wounds so showing any such pictures to the jury would be inflammatory.

Fahey reserved decision on the issue.

The trial is expected to run through the week. Loftin faces a maximum penalty of 25 years to life in state prison if convicted of murder.